Kenya: Multichoice and Intel Invest in e-learning Initiatives

Multichoice has announced the introduction of Multichoice Resource Centres in Kenyan public secondary schools in a bid to enhance education through technology.

The resource centres will provide the schools with satellite dishes for students to access DStv’s Education Bouquet for free, which includes seven documentary, educational and current affairs channels.

The company stated that they will launch 40 resource centres this year in remote areas in Kenya where education quality has suffered due to lack of infrastructure. Multichoice has set a target of over 200 resource centres in the country.

“Technology and education can blend seamlessly as illustrated in the rapid uptake of the initiative by teachers and students over the years,” Multichoice Kenya Corporate Communications Manager, Philip Wahome said during the launch of five resource centres in Meru County.

Meanwhile, Intel Corporation East Africa, in partnership with Kenya Private School Association (KPSA), unveiled an elearning solution to be piloted at Syokimau Blessed School in Machakos country.

The programme entails an end-to-end learning solution, encompassing durable laptops for the students and Intel Education Content Access Point, a low cost, high capacity Wifi Access Point, Internet Router and Server in one box.

“We have seen schools purchase laptops designed for consumers or businesses as most do not know that there are laptops purpose built for education,” Alex Twinomugisha, Intel’s Business Development Manager of Education in East Africa said.

“By collaborating with KPSA and the other partners, we have developed a holistic solution that empowers the teacher on how to integrate technology in the classroom, acquire relevant digital education content, help the school select the right devices for education and learn to manage the devices using classroom management software,” he added.

Intel said that the pilot programme can be easily replicated in many other private schools.